Shoplifter struck by car while trying to escape | News

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ST. PETERSBURG, Florida -- A man is in the hospital after authorities say he was struck by a car while fleeing loss prevention officers at Tyrone Square Mall.

St. Petersburg police say 25-year-old Keegan Curry was stopped outside of JCPenney for shoplifting by a loss prevention officer. Curry pushed the officer away, saying, "I'm not going back to prison!" He then allegedly fled across the parking lot.

Police say the officer and a bystander chased Curry, who ran onto Tyrone Boulevard. Curry reportedly ran into the northbound lane into the path of a 2005 Chrysler minivan. He was struck by the left front fender and windshield before being thrown to the pavement.

Two stolen shirts were allegedly found tucked into Curry's pants as he was being treated by rescue personnel.

Curry was taken to Bayfront Medical Center in life-threatening condition. The driver of the minivan and her passengers were showered with shattered glass, but police say their injuries were very minor.